Second-Lieutenant Herbert Henry Ezard, a young officer attached to the Royal Flying Corps, stationed at Netheravon, was killed on Wednesday morning as the result of an accident while flying.

A inquest was held yesterday (Thursday) afternoon by the Coroner for South Wilts (Mr F H Trethowan) at the Military Hospital.

Captain John Blackwood, RFC, stationed at Netheravon, said that Second-Lieut Ezard was 25 years of age and his home was in Cambridge. On Wednesday morning at 6 o’clock witness flew the machine which Mr Ezard subsequently used, and found everything in order. He afterwards instructed him to make circuits and landings. Mr Ezard had done about 2 hours and 25 minutes in solo flights, including his last. On Wednesday he flew for about 40 minutes, making three landings, and then for 30 minutes with three landings. He went up again and began to turn. In making the turn he lost speed and suddenly fell from about 150 feet. Witness went to the spot and found that he was dead, and the machine smashed.

Arthur Stanley Kemp, 1st Air Mechanic, said that Mr Ezard started his flight between 7 and 8 o’clock on Wednesday morning. He had previously tested the engine and found it in order.

Harry L Winzer, 1st Air Mechanic, gave evidence as to the test of the rigging of the aeroplane and finding everything all right.

Captain H L Moore, RAMC, said he saw the young officer’s body a few minutes after the accident. Death was due to a fracture of the skull and other severe injuries. It must have been instantaneous.

The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts.

This was the first local inquest at which the number of jurymen was reduced to seven, as made possible by the new Act.